Tear-jerking songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits

YELLikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

An emotionally moving number by Ikimono-gakari, cherished as a staple graduation song.

Its lyrics don’t treat parting as something merely sad, but as a new beginning toward each person’s dreams—words that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.

Even while burdened by anxiety and inner conflict about the future—like having wings but being unable to fly—the image of confronting one’s own weakness and moving forward into tomorrow stirs everyone’s heart.

Released in September 2009 as a double A-side single alongside the bright, poppy “Joyful,” the song was also selected as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Though gentle in tone, this powerful track resonates deeply, encouraging those taking a new step forward with the bonds of their friends in their hearts.

Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)

This song, which begins with the gentle sound of piano, is based on a letter Angela Aki wrote to her future self when she was 15.

The lyrics feel like an exchange of letters between a troubled 15-year-old “me” and the future self who replies—an especially moving piece.

It gently stays close to the emotional ups and downs of a sensitive time and seems to encourage you, reminding you that the future isn’t only dark.

Released in September 2008 as her eighth single, the track is also included on the album ANSWER.

It was chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest, and is also known as a song featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme song of the film “Have a Song on Your Lips.” It’s an inspiring anthem that will resonate with your heart as you graduate and set out on a new path.

Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video

Woven into song with the ache of bittersweet love, tuki.’s music resonates across genders and generations.

This work carefully portrays the inner conflicts born from repeated partings and renewals with a loved one, gently expressing affection and gratitude toward the other person.

Released in September 2023, it also drew attention with an acoustic version featuring Yuuri in December of the same year.

The stirring vocals and melody are perfect for karaoke; performing it at school festivals or gatherings with friends—any moment when you want to share feelings—will surely strike a deep chord with listeners.

Its warm atmosphere and clear, transparent vocal quality will gently envelop the room.

Blue in the classroomHoshimachi Suisei

[MV] A Classroom in Blue / Suisei Hoshimachi (hololive × HoneyWorks) [#HoloHani Original]

It’s a refreshing song that conjures up a page from youth right before your eyes.

Suisei Hoshimachi’s clear, transparent vocals gently embrace memories of school days and the bonds with friends.

As graduation—a parting by another name—approaches, it portrays the delicate hearts of young people swaying between sadness and hope.

Included on the album “Horohani-gaoka High School,” released in February 2024, this track was created as part of a collaboration project between hololive and HoneyWorks.

Saying goodbye to friends with whom you could share anything without hiding is a profound sorrow, but beyond the pain of parting, there are surely wonderful encounters that will color your life.

Why not etch the best memories with your best friends deep in your heart as you listen to this song, and take a step toward the next stage?

That’s all there is to it.Marushii

Marcy – It’s Just That (Official Music Video)

“Tada Sore Dake no Koto ga sa” portrays a moment overflowing with love for someone precious who can no longer be by your side.

It was released in 2023 by the rock band Marcy, known for their many romance-themed songs.

The lyrics, centered on lingering feelings that make you keep thinking about your ex even after a breakup, intertwine with a warm melody.

As the distance grows between two people who once loved each other more than anyone else, the bittersweet scenes of past conversations surfacing in their minds are sure to bring tears.

It’s a song whose heartfelt message to a beloved person—impossible to forget even when apart—resonates deeply.

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mutō

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Heroineback number

back number “Heroine” Music Video

It’s a love song that portrays the ache of unrequited feelings.

A track by back number, it delicately captures winter scenery and the poignancy of a one-sided crush.

Released in January 2015, it was featured as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” Together with a commercial starring Suzu Hirose, it drew wide attention and resonated with many people.

The lyrics convey a warmth of the heart amid winter’s cold, paired with a gently soothing melody.

This piece will likely evoke empathy as a song that stands by the hearts of high school students struggling with love.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to in the winter season.

Miracleillion

“Miracle” illion music video

This is a song from illion, the solo project of Yojiro Noda, the vocalist of the rock band RADWIMPS.

It is included on the second album, P.Y.L, released in 2016.

Listening to its dreamy sound and a voice that is gentle yet powerful makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into the pages of a picture book.

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Araki Jakkan

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